Although it was technically possible for a female to become Empress, it was extremely rare in historical times, as women were held to be incapable as rulers. Indeed, Go-Sakuramachi was the first female to occupy the throne since Empress Koken reigned nearly 1,000 years before. Thus it was not surprising that as soon as Momozono's infant son Go-Momozono was ready to take the throne, Go-Sakuramachi was induced to abdicate in his favor, in 1771. She was at least allowed the dignity of the title of Empress-regent until Go-Momozono came of age in 1780, although this was of course meaningless, since the Emperor held no real political power for a regent to excercise in his stead.

Go-Sakuramachi may well remain the last Empress ever, because the unofficial ban on female rulers was made official when the Emperor was redefined as a constitutional monarch after World War II. According to the present Japanese Constitution, only males may reign.